An open house is one of the best opportunities a potential homeowner will have to take stock of a home and determine if it will work for them. However, it can also be a good opportunity to discover some glaring red flags that might make it a less worthwhile investment. If you’re currently perusing the open houses in your neighborhood, here’s some things you should make sure to watch out for.
A Selling Hot-Spot
It’s well and good if you love the home you visit, but ‘location, location, location’ is a popular phrase for a reason. If you’ve noticed a lot of homes for sale in the area, this could be a sign of neighborhood issues that are less than pleasing.
An Odd Smell
Baked goods or room spray are quite common when it comes to an open house, but it’s possible that they’re masking a less-than pleasant odor. Since this can point to a hard home fix-up, it’s worth checking out the closets or the basement where a strange smell can indicate mildew or mold.
A Bad Paint Job
Paint that’s peeling may mean that a few fresh coats are long overdue, but it can also indicate moisture issues in the home that have gone untreated. As this kind of repair can cost a pretty penny, it’s worth determining if there are sealing issues with windows or doors.
A Few Obvious Fix-Ups
A sticky door or a damaged wall may not seem so bad on their own, but if you notice a few things that need to be fixed around the home, it can be a sign that there’s more afoot. If a homeowner has cared for the property during their ownership, it will likely show in small details like this.
Incomplete Construction
It may seem like a good sign to see a house that’s undergoing a renovation, but it can actually be a risk to invest in a home that’s not complete. Instead of leaving this to chance, you may want to check with the construction contractor to determine the scope of the work and when it will be finished.
An open house may be a good time to decide if you’re interested in a home, but it can also be the perfect opportunity to search for deficiencies that may end up costing you.
If you’re currently in the market for a new home, give me a call for more information – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.
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5831 N Echo Canyon Circle
Phoenix, AZ 85018
$3,000,000
2
Beds
2.5
Baths
3,667
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6748221
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to Echo Canyon's guard-gated community! This modernly remodeled home offers breathtaking views of Echo Canyon & The Praying Monk. Upon entry, you're welcomed by an expansive great room w/ soaring ceilings. The gourmet kitchen features a stunning prep island adorned w/ a Dekton Trilium countertop. The primary suite is luminous, highlighting views of the Praying Monk & providing private access to the tranquil backyard. Its spa-like bathroom showcases a custom metal barn door, a floating vanity w/ double glass sinks, & Grohe fixtures. Outside, an outdoor kitchen equipped with a 50'' Wolf Professional Gas BBQ & seating area awaits, alongside two custom-designed Eurocave wine coolers holding 500 bottles! A separate den(or potential 3rd bedroom) with fireplace & built in Murphy Bed.... The community also features private hiking trails, pool, spa & tennis.
25572 N 113th Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
$3,000,000
4
Beds
6
Baths
5,593
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6726576
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Spectacular luxury home located in coveted guard gated Troon Village, w/ dramatic drive-up appeal & picturesque Sonoran boulder setting, boasts panoramic mountain views. Architectural masterpiece w/ fine details & thoughtful home design, this great room split bedroom plan with exquisite indoor outdoor AZ living is an entertainer's dream.Luxurious kitchen with expansive eat-in island, Wolf gas range & electric ovens, SubZero fridge/freezer, opens to inviting family room with charming stone fireplace, slate floors, rich wood planked ceiling accented with stunning beams, opens to outdoor living with retractable glass & screen slider & dine in style with Four Peaks views & seated wet bar with access to downstairs tasting room and 500 bottle temp-controlled wine cellar. Executive office with custom built-ins, Owner's retreat with flex exercise/office opens to private patio and backyard outdoor living space and pool/spa. Ideal ensuite secondary bedrooms with private entries and expansive wrap around balcony with fireplace. Downstairs hub with an impressive in-home theatre with wet bar plus flex room that could serve as a bunk room/office/exercise room with half bath. Spacious 1200 SF air-conditioned extended three car garage is fit for a king with half bath, motorcycle lift ,work benches, air compressor lines and easy access elevator lift to main level. G5 automated system, owned solar panels, 5 new AC units, pool equipment and appliances. A sanctuary in the Sonoran desert.
3355 N 55th Place
Phoenix, AZ 85018
$3,000,000
5
Beds
4
Baths
3,973
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6764526
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to Arcadia Parkside, an exclusive gated enclave of four exquisite homes in the highly sought-after Arcadia neighborhood, just steps from Arizona Country Club and local hotspots. This stunning residence features lush landscaping and a well-designed floor plan spanning nearly 4,000 square feet. The chef's kitchen boasts a spacious island and top-of-the-line appliances, ideal for culinary enthusiasts. Soaring ceilings create an impressive atmosphere, while reclaimed wood beams, French oak flooring, and custom millwork add warmth. The exceptional primary suite offers a luxurious soaking tub, oversized shower, and a generous walk-in closet. The backyard is an entertainer's dream, with ample patio space, lush landscaping, and a sparkling pool. Experience the perfect blend of sophistication and tranquility at Arcadia Parkside, where every detail has been thoughtfully curated for a luxurious lifestyle.
5818 N 45th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85018
$3,000,000
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,372
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6768941
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Stunning 4-bedroom + office, 3.5-bathroom home in the prestigious Camelback Canyon Estates neighborhood of Phoenix, AZ. This property epitomizes modern elegance and offers an unparalleled living experience with its prime location nestled between Camelback Mountain, Paradise Valley, and Arcadia. The home boasts extraordinary views of the iconic Camelback Mountain, visible from the spacious pavered front courtyard, kitchen window, and the backyard oasis. The open and light-filled living spaces are designed for both comfort and style, featuring a double-sided fireplace and a wet bar with clever wine storage. The kitchen is a chef's dream, adorned with sleek walnut cabinetry, a built-in buffet, Miele appliances, and Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer. The butler's pantry provides additional storage, food prep, and office/craft space. The split floorplan ensures privacy, with a spacious primary suite that includes a sitting room/office and two closets. The luxurious primary bath is equipped with walnut cabinetry, double vanities, a custom walk-in shower featuring fossilized limestone tile surround, two shower heads/four body spray jets , and a jetted soaking tub. The crown jewel of this home is the spectacular backyard, designed by modern building design for ultimate outdoor living. Motorized pocketing glass doors open to a post-free patio cover, shading dining and living areas, complete with a movie projector and motorized screen. The outdoor kitchen is top-of-the-line, featuring a Turbo Stainless Steel BBQ, Turbo Teppanyaki grill, and a rare built-in wood-burning grill by Grillworks, Inc. The updated heated resort pool includes a spacious Baja ledge and a tiled vanishing edge spillover spa. Additional shaded lounging spaces, natural gas fireplace with seating, and outdoor shower complete this private resort feeling. This home is conveniently located near the best dining, resorts, shopping, and recreation the valley has to offer, including Global Ambassador, Steak 44, The Henry, AJ's Fine Foods, The Village Health Club, and Echo Canyon Trailhead on Camelback Mountain
10670 E Hedgehog Place
Scottsdale, AZ 85262
$3,000,000
5
Beds
6
Baths
4,665
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6675444
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to this enchanting Spanish-style home nestled amidst boulder outcroppings with breathtaking views of the McDowells, Pinnacle Peak and Crescent Moon. Located in the gated community of Pinnacle Canyon, this custom home was built by RS Homes with a focus on blending elegant architecture and natural beauty. Inside you will discover a warm and inviting interior adorned with classic accents including wood vegas & fireplace mantels, chocolate Saltillo & travertine tile, wood flooring and divided light windows. The inviting kitchen, with colorful tile countertops and backsplashes and convenient dumb waiter, adjoins a breakfast room with sunrise views. The primary suite, with cozy fireplace and private patio access, includes a bonus room perfect for nursery, exercise room, etc. Outside, the enchanting backyard oasis awaits with elevated covered patio and dining area, pool, spa, outdoor kitchen and pool bath. With extreme attention to detail, this is an opportunity to own a jewel box in the desert.
8130 E Vista Bonita Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
$3,000,000
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,800
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6516110
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
RENOVATION COMPLETED 11.8.24 This stunning contemporary modern luxurious home RENOVATION IS COMPLETED. Walking in your greeted with a sprawling open floor plan featuring exquisite luxury finishes throughout. This home showcases a spacious lot (almost an acre) with breathtaking mountains views overlooking the golf course. Brand new Pickel Ball court is perfect for entertaining. This home is located in the gated PINNACLE PEAK ESTATES. *Seller agent has ownership in property
29906 N Miradar Court
Scottsdale, AZ 85262
$3,000,000
4
Beds
5
Baths
5,684
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6651364
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Spectacular luxury living in this meticulously designed Spanish Ranch home, nestled in Granite Mountain Ranch, North Scottsdale's only gated equestrian estates. Gorgeous Four Peaks mountain view estate is on almost 5 acres (2 lots) located at the end of a large cul-de-sac. Sale includes two parcels totaling 4.803 acres - parcels 219-40-083 and 219-40-082.The property's circular driveway and stone gate house create a grand entrance with a fountain and gas fireplace that welcomes guests with a sense of luxury and prestige. An architectural masterpiece, this four-bedroom custom home with attached casita was originally crafted for the architect himself, and exudes sophistication and attention to detail at every turn. The interior is captivating with elegance and warmth, and has four distinct shapes of large tumbled travertine, laid in a Versailles pattern throughout main living areas and extending gracefully to the outdoors. Pillars and niches adorned with ambient lighting create a timeless look. Main living area has amazing views to the outdoors with a massive cantera stone gas fireplace. The kitchen is a chef's delight, equipped with a warming drawer, appliance garage, a new ASKO dishwasher and a huge center island with granite slab countertops. The Wolf built-in cooktop and oven are propane gas and the range hood is accentuated with faux painting. The SubZero double refrigerator and two dishwashers ensure efficiency. The separate bar seats five and is granite-topped with ice maker and wine chiller. This residence is a showcase of thoughtful features, including a central vacuum system, four AC zones, an AV closet and a beautiful powder room. The den, complete with wood-beamed ceilings offers versatility with its closet, potentially transforming it into a bedroom. A four-car garage with epoxy floors and a spacious in-garage storage room. The utility closets house a water softener, 4 HVAC air handlers, and two hot water heaters. The primary suite on the same side as the den invites tranquility, with wood flooring, knotty alder cabinets and doors, and a gas fireplace. The primary bath is a spa-like retreat, featuring a coffee bar with built-in SubZero refrigerator, jetted soaking tub, separate closets with custom built-ins, and an indulgent six-shower head experience. Enjoy the breathtaking view of Four Peaks from the primary bathroom, complemented by a travertine outdoor shower. Your visitors will love the guest amenities, with two spacious guest suites on the opposite side of home with private baths and large walk-in closets. A 400 sq ft casita with a kitchenette, SubZero fridge, walk-in closet, and full bathroom provides your guests a private retreat. Technology seamlessly integrates with luxury in this property, with Control 4 system, managing 4 outdoor security cameras, music with in-ceiling speakers throughout the house and back patio, weather, and six mounted TVs which convey to the buyer. A formal dining room with a bricked ceiling and double doors opening to the front courtyard sets the stage for intimate gatherings around the gas fireplace and courtyard fountain. The outdoor space is an entertainer's dream. The backyard oasis offers unobstructed Four Peaks and Matzatzal mountain views, with a Jacuzzi and pool that can be controlled from inside the home. Owned solar system heats the pool for extended enjoyment in the fall and spring. A built-in grill and bar, wood-burning fireplace and firepit complete the entertainment amenities. Granite Mountain Ranch is the only gated equestrian community in Scottsdale where each homeowner can have up to 4 horses per lot. It has 100 home sites spread across 315 acres, 15 acres of equestrian facilities including 2 large arenas and 2 round pens, paved and lighted streets, underground utilities and a private water resource. It's adjacent to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. You'll have easy access to unlimited riding trails, hiking, biking & fishing. Within a 10-to-30 minute drive are many of Arizona's top golf courses.
Prescott
AZ 86305
$2,999,999
3
Beds
3
Baths
3,586
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6609583
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Less than 25 miles from downtown Prescott, AZ awaits a truly special equestrian treasure - Happy's Dream Ranch. Designed for the pleasure of humans and horses alike, this beautiful property set in Long Meadow Ranch features a warm yet elegant modern 3586 sqft. farmhouse with a 1-car attached, and 2-car detached garage. Beyond the home, the property includes a hay barn w/ bunkhouse, a tiny home, and two airy barns with tack rooms and a total of 20 stalls. Perimeter fenced and cross fenced, there is ample room to train, ride, and run on the magnificent 36.46 acre property - including in a 120' x 240' arena, and an electric Eurociser. With a backdrop of majestic Granite Mountain and stunning 360 degree sweeping views, Happy's Dream Ranch provides the quintessential Arizona ranch lifestyle!
2659 E Maplewood Street
Gilbert, AZ 85297
$2,999,999
5
Beds
3.5
Baths
4,031
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6717424
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
PERSONALIZE YOUR DREAM HOME & CHOOSE YOUR FINISHES! Gilbert's Landmark at Somerset, spanning 4,031 sq ft - nestled by the park on .54 acres with a 4-car garage & storage room. A large courtyard welcomes you, while inside, 5 bedrooms, including a luxurious primary suite & a full guest retreat & playroom, await. The heart is the open kitchen, great room, & nook area, perfect for gatherings. Retreat to the primary bedroom oasis with a spa-like ensuite, large walk-in closet & large walk-in shower with benches on both sides & a separate soaking. A large, covered patio & a N/S lot orientation. Don't miss out on this opportunity to own a custom-built masterpiece in Gilbert's Somerset. Skip the lengthy design & construction process! ESTIMATED COMPLETION QUARTER ONE 2025!
7702 N Moonlight Lane
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
$2,999,999
5
Beds
6.5
Baths
6,214
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6745821
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
THE MOST STUNNING VIEWS IN PARADISE VALLEY! Seize the extraordinary and rare chance to own a prime 1.2-acre hillside lot offering sweeping, awe-inspiring views of Camelback Mountain, Mummy Mountain, the McDowell Mountains, Pinnacle Peak, and the shimmering city lights below. This hilltop sanctuary is nestled in the prestigious Tatum Canyon enclave in the heart of Paradise Valley. Privately gated and situated at the end of a tranquil cul-de-sac, the property currently features a livable soft contemporary-style home. Its prime location is just moments from the Paradise Valley Golf and Country Club, the new Ritz Carlton Resort, Camelback Inn & Spa, and a variety of upscale shopping and dining options. Remodel the existing 6,200 SqFt home or create the estate of your dreams— no HOA restrictions.
3500 E Lincoln Drive Unit 22
Phoenix, AZ 85018
$2,999,999
5
Beds
4.5
Baths
4,241
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6729102
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to your GUARD GATED serene retreat on over half an acre along the mountainside of Lincoln Hills with city views of the valley! Enter into the open concept floorplan with newer ACs, roof w/ 5 year warranty, water purification system, updated flooring, solid core doors, and updated ceiling fans and light fixtures throughout. Remodeled chef's kitchen with top of the line Sub-Zero fridge, 4 burner gas cooktop plus griddle, all new cabinets/ pull outs, RO system, prep sink, and wine fridge. Luxury primary suite with extended balcony overlooking the mountain and city views. Flex game room designed for indoor/outdoor style living with glass garage doors. Private backyard oasis with multiple private patios, pool, outdoor kitchen with gas BBQ, dishwasher, and fridge. Come take a look today
2402 E Esplanade Lane Unit 902
Phoenix, AZ 85016
$2,999,999
2
Beds
3
Baths
3,542
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6738813
Property Type
Apartment
Price Type
--
Nestled in the heart of the prestigious Biltmore area of Phoenix, this luxurious ninth-floor condominium residence offers over 3,500 square feet of contemporary elegance. The expansive floor plan features impressive entertaining spaces with breathtaking views to the downtown Phoenix skyline and beyond. Floor to ceiling windows plus two oversized balconies highlight these vistas and provide ideal natural light. As expected, top-of-the-line finishes and modern design elements abound, from beautiful light real oak wood floors to Wolf, Subzero and Miele appliances. Twp private and separated en suite bedrooms plus a dedicated office/study and powder room complete this perfect home. Esplanade Place offers true luxury lock and leave living along with the highest standards for residence security, including on-site guard, controlled garage and floor access, on-site valet, full exercise gym and steam rooms, large club room for entertaining with catering kitchen, roof-top pool, gas grills for residents plus a dedicated dog run area. Condominium residences of this size and level of finish are difficult to find in the greater Phoenix/Scottsdale market. This offering is truly a gem!